Canoe/Wa'a

There are several theories regarding the origin of the word "canoe." The most prevalent explanation attributes it to the Arawakan language, specifically the term "kana:wa" or "kanaoua," which was used by indigenous people in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America to describe their watercraft. 

 

The word was brought back to Europe by Christopher Columbus. The Spanish adopted the word as "canoa," to describe the New World water craft and it later made its way into French and English.    Regardless of its origin, the term "canoe" has evolved to describe most non-European watercraft throughout the world.